We got to talking about Bernie Williams and agreed that there is no easy solution to this.

The Yankees don’t owe Bernie anything. He has been paid well over the years and no athlete has the right to play forever. But if he wants to come to spring training on a minor-league deal, do they owe him at least that?

It’s a no-win situation for Joe Torre and the Yankees. If Bernie plays poorly, Joe has to call him in and cut him. If Bernie plays well for a few weeks, there will be a public clamor to keep a player the team really doesn’t want or need.

It would be an awkward situation for everybody – particularly Bernie. Every time he goes 0 for 3, it will be part of the story.

There is no easy answer to this. The Yankees seem to be hoping Bernie will retire. Bernie doesn’t want to retire but he also doesn’t want to play for another team.

I suspect we’ll see him in Tampa in a few weeks. What happens then is anybody’s guess.